Behagen Playground

Throughout his lifetime, Basil Behagen (1927-1993) demonstrated his commitment to youth and to his community. Born in St. Croix, Virgin Islands, Behagen moved to the Bronx in 1946. Behagen worked as a Substance Abuse Prevention Intervention Specialist for the Board of Education for many years and was a member of the Advisory Board of Lincoln Hospital. As a member of Bronx Community Board 3, Behagen served on the Youth Committee and as Chair of the Cultural Committee for three years. As Chair of the Parks & Recreation Committee for six years, Behagen worked to upgrade open spaces in the district and, specifically, to improve Forest Playground, located on East 166th Street between Union Avenue and Tinton Avenue.